Compare curb access, loading zones, and private-property access
Start by identifying who controls each possible stopping point. A public curb is governed by posted signs and applicable city rules; a designated loading zone may have eligibility or time restrictions; a private lot, loading dock, or driveway requires the property owner's approval. None should be treated as available based only on an open-space observation. Use the City of Raleigh's Maps and Apps parking resources to locate mapped parking areas, including loading zones, near each address. Then inspect the exact curb in person when practical. Maps can support planning, but signs, markings, temporary notices, and conditions at the site determine whether a particular space is usable. Record sign wording and take dated photos for reference. Never plan to block a travel lane, driveway, crosswalk, fire lane, hydrant, accessible space, or other restricted area. Source: City of Raleigh — Maps and Apps: https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/maps-and-apps
Confirm building rules and loading-zone availability
Ask the apartment, condominium, office, or managed property for written move-access instructions. Find out whether a loading dock or designated area must be reserved, who authorizes access, and whether another resident or delivery could hold the same time window. Confirm the permitted move hours, truck size or height limits, gate procedure, dock dimensions, elevator reservation, protective-material requirements, and where the vehicle may wait if access is delayed. Ask whether the property requires documents from the selected mover, but do not assume those requirements are identical across buildings. If either address has shared access, coordinate both ends separately. Approval at the origin says nothing about destination access. Send the final instructions to the driver or moving contact before the move and keep the property contact's details available for arrival issues.
Measure the truck-to-door route
The closest legal space is not always the most workable. Walk the route from each candidate stopping point to the door and note the approximate distance, stairs, steep grades, narrow corridors, gates, uneven surfaces, low branches, and doors that cannot be held open. For an elevator building, include the distance from the curb to the loading entrance and from the elevator to the unit. Compare access options using four factors: legality, reservation certainty, vehicle fit, and carrying difficulty. A slightly farther reserved dock may be more practical than an uncertain curb space. Conversely, a long route can affect labor, equipment needs, and the written estimate, so disclose it before accepting an estimate. Share photos or video when the estimate process permits. Include both addresses, likely parking positions, walking distance, stairs and elevators, oversized items, and any fixed move window. For broader quote preparation, use the moving-planning resources at /resources/ and review residential move considerations at /services/residential-moving/.
Prepare a lawful backup access plan
Choose a second stopping point before move day rather than improvising after the truck arrives. The backup must be independently checked for signs, property permission, truck clearance, and a safe carrying route. It should not depend on double-parking, blocking another vehicle, occupying a fire lane, or leaving the truck in a restricted space. Create a simple access note with the primary location, backup location, authorized time window, property contact, entry instructions, route photos, and any elevator or gate reservation. If conditions change, stop and verify the new location instead of assuming a brief obstruction is acceptable. Final check: revisit posted restrictions close to the move, confirm the reservation with the property, remove personal vehicles only where lawful, and tell the moving company about every access constraint. For help defining the complete move scope before requesting a written estimate, visit /contact/. Service availability and move coverage require confirmation.